Protein is in everything these days — popcorn included.
With protein popcorn now on the shelves alongside the usual white cheddar and movie theater flavored popcorn, Popsmith co-founder Dave thought he’d share two delicious ways to make your own at home using your trusty Popper.
Either of these protein popcorn recipes is perfect for refueling after a workout or enjoying a guilt-free treat on Friday night.
Check ‘em out:
Protein Popcorn Ingredients
Buttery Protein Popcorn
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½ cup kernels
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2 tablespoons coconut oil
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3 tablespoons unflavored collagen powder
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3 tablespoons plant-based butter
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt, to taste
Cheesy Protein Popcorn
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½ cup kernels
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2 tablespoons coconut oil
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3 tablespoons unflavored protein powder
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2 tablespoons cheese powder (Dave used Better Cheddar Cheese Powder)
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1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
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1 teaspoon parsley
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Cayenne pepper, to taste
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Salt, to taste
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Olive oil, to spray on the popcorn
How to Make Protein Popcorn
Step 1: Pop Your Popcorn
Set your stove to medium heat and preheat the Popsmith for 1 to 2 minutes. Pour oil into the pot, toss in 3 kernels, and when the first one pops, add the rest and cover. Turn the crank clockwise while the kernels pop to prevent burning. When popping slows to 2 seconds between pops, remove from heat and immediately pour the popcorn into a bowl.
PRO TIP: If the crank gets stuck, a kernel might be wedged behind the spinner. Carefully lift it to dislodge — the spinner stays cool to the touch.
Step 2: Make Your Flavor (Buttery Version)
Melt plant-based butter in a saucepan, whisk in collagen powder, then add salt, pepper, and garlic. Drizzle over the popcorn and shake well to coat evenly. The collagen gives it a slightly less-crunchy texture (think freshly buttered popcorn), which is totally normal.
DON'T: Add collagen directly to the Popper while popping. It makes the oil gloppy and prevents kernels from popping properly.
Step 3: Make Your Flavor (Cheesy Version)
Mix protein powder, cheese powder, Aleppo pepper, parsley, and cayenne in a small bowl. Lightly mist the popcorn with olive oil using a spray bottle, then sprinkle the powder mixture over top and shake well. Pour into a baking dish and bake at 200°F for 15 to 20 minutes to set the seasonings.
DON'T: Add cheese powder directly to the Popper. It will burn before the popcorn is ready.
Tips for Better Protein Popcorn
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Adjust seasonings to taste. Dave added extra salt to his cheesy version because it needed more savory punch.
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Both recipes work with other protein powders, too. Try chocolate protein powder with cinnamon, or swap collagen for plant-based protein if you're vegan.
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Boost protein even more by adding mix-ins like roasted chickpeas, jerky, nuts, or edamame after cooking.
Pump It Up
See how easy it is to whip up protein popcorn at home with your Popsmith? Doing so not only saves you money on the store-bought kind — you also have total control over the flavors and ingredients. Use these two recipes as your starting point and try out different protein powders, seasonings, and mix-ins.
Want more healthy popcorn recipes or high protein snack ideas? Whether you’re looking for healthy popcorn toppings or low sodium popcorn recipes, you’ll find plenty of inspiration on our blog!
FAQs About Protein Popcorn
Is popcorn high in protein?
One serving of plain popcorn has about 2 grams of protein. It’s not naturally a high-protein snack, but adding collagen powder and protein-packed toppings makes it way more substantial.
How to add more protein to popcorn?
Mix protein powder with melted butter and drizzle it over the popcorn, or put oil in a spray bottle, mist a light layer over the popcorn, and then sprinkle the powder. You can also top it with protein-rich mix-ins like jerky, roasted chickpeas, and sunflower seeds.
